Forty…

Forty…

I have been on pause for forty days; and the time has been insightful for me in many respects. The number of days is significant because it has fulfilled a numerical pattern found in the Word of God.  In the time of the Great Flood, rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. (Genesis 7:12) When Moses ascended into the cloud on Mount Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments, he stayed on the mountain and fasted forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 24:18) The people of Israel wandered in the wilderness – a year for each of the forty days they had explored the Promised Land. (Numbers 14:33-35) Likewise, Jesus journeyed into the wilderness and was tested, and He fasted for forty days and forty nights. (Matthew 4:1-2; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-2)

During the past forty days I have gone through a wilderness experience of my own; and I feel that I have grown spiritually during this time. The spiritual battles encountered have strengthened my faith … for I have had to seek God and to trust Him alone. I have learned afresh to wait upon Lord; to encounter His presence; to exercise self-discipline; and to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Indeed, He has challenged me to become more Kingdom-minded in the days ahead and to serve Him without hesitancy or doubt. I have emerged from this time of solitude and rest with greater awareness of service and purpose; and I pray this journey of faith going forward will be more productive and fruitful for my Lord Jesus….

Today … our Word of the Day is FORTY! I challenge you to spend 40 minutes in prayer, reading the Word of God, or praise and worship for the next 40 days and 40 nights.  I believe you, too, will be amazed at how FORTY can change your perspective and revitalize your walk with Jesus.

Have a Blessed Day!

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him. ~ Psalm 40